LI Eatery, Singer Use Facebook Videos To Feed Hospital Workers

MINEOLA, NY — As health care workers remain on the front lines helping to save the lives of those affected by the new coronavirus, one Long Island restaurant is doing its part to tell them "thank you" for all their hard work — even as the virus impacts their own bottom dollar.

“Our employees here, they’re so happy that they still have a job right now because of this," Pasquale Vetrano, owner of Spaghettini Pizza Trattoria and Burrito Blvd.," told Patch. "We have the Burrito Blvd. on the corner here, we've had to temporarily close it."

Much of Spaghettini's business — before and during the virus outbreak — has come from Winthop Hospital, located right next door.

“If the hospital wasn’t here, and we didn’t have to feed the hospital, it would be hard to survive just on the community right now," Vetrano said.

To show hospital workers appreciation for their continued business, Vetrano's restaurant is trying to feed them for free by enlisting the help of his long time pal, Sal Manzo, a wedding and events singer.

“He’s the best singer," Vetrano said. "He’s like your dad who should be on American Idol and all those shows. He’s the real Sal of Long Island."

After many of his own singing gigs were canceled or put on hold due to the outbreak, Manzo has found a way to turn a negative into a positive. For the last few days, he has come to the restaurant to sing live and interact with viewers on Facebook in return for gift card donations. People as far away as California and Texas have tuned in to hear Manzo belt out a tune at the popular Mineola restaurant.

"Thank you, Sal, for doing an honorable blessing for the hospital," one person posted.

"You are so sweet. You're making our lock down so much better," another person said.

When people buy a Spaghettini gift certificate during his Facebook live performances, it goes directly to feed hospital workers. At the same time, it also gives employees at the restaurant continued work, a win-win for both.

"So when somebody who works at the hospital comes in for their order, and their bill is $17, we go to the board, we see what's up there, the amounts we have left, and we deduct that $17 from the gift certificates that you purchase over the phone," Manzo said in one of his recent videos. "They're working crazy shifts and trying to help us remain healthy."

Since Manzo began performing live from a small space in the restaurant a few days ago, he and the restaurant have raised $1,650. When hospital employees come to the restaurant to pick up their food order, Vetrano said they've been beyond grateful by the kind, yet unexpected gesture.

"They’re stunned. They can’t believe it," he said. "It’s been great for the neighborhood. We’re trying to get the word out a little more, so we can continue it."

As for Manzo, he has no plans to stop singing for donations as long as Winthrop Hospital's nurses, doctors and other medical staff work around the clock to help those impacted by the virus.

"I am going to keep this going throughout the duration of this coronavirus that we're going through. I'll be live every night at 6 p.m. to sing for you," Manzo said.

To listen to Manzo sing live nightly, click here.

Video of one of Sal's recent live Facebook performances:

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